Yiros comes to SA in the 1970s

It was at the iconic Grecian BBQ, in Hindley Street that South
Australia was first introduced to the concept of a new food
called a yiros. That was back in the mid to late 1970s and
Makis was an important member of the original team.

From Greece with hope

But the story of Makis Yiros really begins back in
Thessaloniki, Greece where Makis grew up. It was 1960 when at the age of 11 Makis
started working in his uncle's restaurant, sweeping the floors, washing dishes and
soon progressing to preparing meals. His Uncle George taught him all he knew and
passed down to him his base recipe for yiros. Over the years, Makis would incorporate
his own learnings and so perfect the Makis Yiros recipe. Makis completed his National Service when he was 22 in 1969. He had made Sergeant
within two years and was part of the elite Greek L.O.K force — Green Beret Paratroopers.

This would help explain how Makis has been able to work 110 hour weeks for over
20 years at the Glenelg store — just ask any Glenelg local and they'll confirm it!
It was during his time in the army that Makis came up with his dream to become a
full-time cook and open up his own shop.

A new start in a new country

When Makis came to Australia in his early 20s to pursue this dream he brought his
Uncle George's recipe with him. In order to build up enough savings to open his
own shop, Makis worked several jobs — from waiter at the Clements underground night
spot and cook at the Grecian BBQ to a machine operator at the Mr Juicy Factory in
Regency Park, to cutting lawns.

Makis Take Away Greek BBQ at Glynde

After a few years of working at the Grecian BBQ and saving enough money, his dream
became a reality. In 1979, he and his wife Sofia opened their very own takeaway
shop in Glynde on the Mitre 10 corner, across the road from the Glynde Hotel. Sofia also brought village (Pontian) cooking and influences to the shop, introducing
her own recipes, in particular the tzatziki (garlic sauce) dip which is still a
favourite at the Glenelg shop today.

After 10 years at Glynde, the property was sold to Mitre 10. Sadly, the store had
to be closed, leaving Makis and Sofia with empty dreams.

A family business

Makis has always been a family business and remains that way today. Makis and Sofia's
son Arthur was just 2 when they opened their Glynde store. Many of the then customers
who still visit Makis at the Glenelg store today remember the young Arthur behind
the counter, trying to copy his father and help with the food orders. Arthur has now returned to SA, after several successful years working in the corporate
world in Sydney.

He's now taking a more active involvement with the family business.
With his father Makis heading into his later years, Arthur plans to spend more quality
time with him, working by his side, Father and Son.

From Glynde to Glenelg

It was in 1992 while working at the Lamb Spit at Glenelg, Makis realised that this
area was the place to be, and having a shop in Glenelg would provide great opportunities.
Makis spotted a nearby icecream store called Gidget's and, with Sofia, walked in
and made the owners an offer. 12 weeks later, Makis Yiros at Glenelg was open for
trading. Business picked up quickly as Makis' recipe was appreciated immediately
and provided those who were hungry for a yiros at The Bay a genuine alternative.

Chicken Yiros? Are you crazy?

That's what Makis was told time and time again when he first introduced this product
back in 1992. Luckily, he didn't listen to the nay-sayers. It was an instant hit
that has since become an integral part of any yiros store menu.

Today at Makis Yiros, chicken yiros is almost as popular as his authentic original
lamb, particularly with those who are seeking a healthy treat.

The Hands of Makis

Over the past 20 years, Makis estimates that he has rolled over 1.2 million yiros
— for everyone from local celebs to visitors from country SA and interstate, as
well as tourists from all around the world. And let's not forget the regulars who
stop in and grab their yiros after a big night out at the Jetty Bar or Grand Hotel.

At 60-plus years of age, Makis is still the Fastest Yiros Man in the Land, able
to take and fulfil an order in under 30 seconds!

Makis — A Glenelg Icon

The shop at the corner of Moseley Street has been going strong for over 20 years
and Makis, with his blue poloshirt and cap, is a familiar sight. He is part of the
rich tapestry that Jetty Road Glenelg possesses and is appreciated by the many locals
who stop and have a chat with Makis when he's in his shop or standing outside having
a smoko.

Adelaide's own 'Yiros Nazi'

Makis has added his own character and charisma to the Jetty Road strip, and has
become a household name in the area. In fact, he is sometimes referred to as 'Adelaide's
Yiros Nazi', a reference to the (Soup Nazi character from that famous Seinfeld episode.)
Love him or hate him, as per the Soup Nazi, Makis makes a damn good yiros.

So, in case you haven't yet, please come on down and see us at Makis Yiros. We'd
be very happy to serve you the best yiros in South Australia.